Should your home service business cut its marketing budget in a downturn?

The COVID-19 pandemic has hit a lot of businesses hard, including the home services industry. It has caused a downturn in the local, national, and global economy. Every economic recession is different than the one before. These uncertainties make it challenging for businesses to know what to do, especially when it comes to marketing.

Looking at recessions in the past

Looking at how companies survived and thrived through past recessions can provide helpful tools for businesses today. We can see patterns in consumer behavior during downturns. We can also see what kind of strategies worked and which didn’t. This information can help you adjust your marketing strategy for success.

One thing is clear: during a recession, people typically reduce their spending and change their priorities. It’s common for businesses to cut costs when sales go down to make up for that change in consumer habits. Whether it’s discounting products and services, stopping investment contributions, or slashing marketing budgets, it’s vital to make decisions that will help you come out of this for the long term.

However, data shows us that cutting marketing budgets is usually a mistake.  

Edmonton home services business tripled sales during the pandemic

This spring, the government declared a state of emergency, and most of the country was in lockdown. Almost overnight, people relied nearly entirely on the internet for work, entertainment, research, socializing, and shopping. Now things have opened up, but these online habits have remained consistent.

RenovationFind’s web traffic grew by nearly 60% from February 2020 to May 2020, and we’re continuing to see traffic increases.  We saw a massive shift in the way homeowners were finding home services businesses to work in their homes. They were using the internet. You need to make sure your business is put in front of them while they’re researching online.

Our partners at Sargeant’s Roofing in Edmonton increased their marketing spend during the peak of the pandemic. Amid a major recession, they decided to invest in digital marketing. Because most of their potential customers were spending most of their time online, they gained a substantial amount of new business.

“During an economic downturn, so many people are thinking they need to spend less on their marketing, but we dove right in,” said Adam Sand, Owner of Sargeant’s Roofing in Edmonton. “We did that because we wanted to be in more places. We knew that a lot of other people would be pulling back. Because of that, during an economic downturn, we tripled our business.”

People still need to have their furnace repaired or their roof replaced and have prioritized home maintenance in their budget. It’s important to remember that some people experienced less impact from this recession than others, and they are still ready to spend money on their homes. Home repairs and maintenance are considered an essential purchase for most people.

Putting yourself in front of your customers at this time is essential to making sales and surviving the downturn. As we’ve learned from others in the industry, you have the potential to grow during the pandemic and come out of it in a very healthy place financially.

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Looking at how consumers think during a recession

How a consumer thinks and feels can make or break a sale, especially during challenging times. They must trust your business, feel confident in choosing it, and have the money to support their decision.

The recession caused by the pandemic is one of the worst we’ve ever experienced. People are rethinking their spending behaviour, and making adjustments to survive the financial implications of COVID-19. People will react and make decisions differently, and this article from the Harvard Business Review did a great job of breaking down types of customers into four groups.

Slam-on-the-brakes

Just how it sounds, these consumers hit the brakes hard, stop, or greatly reduce spending. It’s likely they’re the most vulnerable and hit the hardest financially.

Pained-but-patient

These consumers feel that the distant future will be bright again but are losing faith that they can comfortably maintain their current standard of living. They might cut back in their spending across the board, but not as aggressively as the slam-on-the-brakes crowd. The pained-but-patient are likely not suffering unemployment, but range in income levels. As things get worse, it’s easy for this group to migrate to the slam-on-the-brakes category.

Comfortably well-off

These consumers are more financially secure, though they might be a little more selective about how they spend money. The comfortably well-off are mostly people in the top 5% income bracket but can include less wealthy people who are still secure in their finances.

Live-for-today

As the title states, these consumers continue as usual, even if it means stretching out their major purchases. They probably won’t change their spending habits unless they lose their job. The live-for-today crowd is typically younger, urban, and more likely to spend money on experiences than material things.

Each group prioritize spending by breaking down spending into categories

Regardless of what category your target demographic is, all four groups prioritize their spending similarly. Products and services they consume break down into four main categories:

– Essentials are things necessary to survive or key to healthy well-being.
– Postponeables are things that are desired, but the purchase can be put off for now.
– Expendables are things that are unnecessary and cut from the budget.
– Treats are rewarded as an indulgence and justified as such.

The home is considered essential

The good news for home services businesses is that spending money on the home is considered an essential purchase. Home repair, plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling systems, roofs, siding, windows, and doors – for most people, they are all necessary to maintain regardless of what the economy is doing. For those who are suffering financially, they’ll still try to find a way to fix their home if they can.

The slam-on-the-brakes crowd might look for lower-cost options or attempt DIY home improvements, but they will still spend money on essentials. The pained-but-patient group will stock up on good deals and settle for cheaper alternatives, but they’ll still spend on essentials. The comfortably-well-off will continue to spend as they always have spent on home services. Finally, the live-for-today will also continue to make purchases as normal if they have income, regardless of the recession.

Homeowners are looking online for home services companies

We’ve determined that most people, regardless of how they think and feel during a recession, will still spend money on home services as an essential purchase. We know the business is still out there for your company. We also know that homeowners are doing their research online before hiring a company to work on their homes.

They are looking for companies in their local city online. They’re checking out your website, your social media pages, and checking reviews before they’re even picking up the phone or start an email. Homeowners need and want quality, trustworthy contractors and are willing to pay for one.

That’s where RenovationFind can help. Our directory is free and makes it easy for homeowners to do their research on home services companies. When they see a company on our website, they know they’ve been pre-screened and vetted by a third-party. Every company on the listing has gone through legal and financial background checks, has valid insurance and business licensing, WCB coverage, and we monitor customer reviews. Companies that pass the background check are rated and are officially RenovationFind Certified.

Homeowners know that when they call your home services company from the RenovationFind directory, the tough research is done for them. The website has provided a useful tool for homeowners during the pandemic, as they seek contractors throughout the pandemic. The increased web traffic and online consumer behaviour is a trend we suspect will continue long after the pandemic.

Reach consumers when your competitors are not

If you’ve pulled back on your marketing spending or thought of it, your competitors probably have too. When consumers are offering their attention the most, businesses miss a great opportunity to get their brand out there.

When things are tough, you have to make sure consumers are still learning about your business. Otherwise, you’ll never pull through the recession. As we’ve learned from Adam at Sargeant’s Roofing, smart advertising and marketing allowed him to triple his sales during one of the most devastating recessions in our history. Not only was this incredible for his company, but it also allowed them to expand and create new jobs for people in the community. That money spent went back into the local economy by allowing others to earn income.

How to budget for a new marketing strategy

Customers are the only way you’ll gain revenue and grow as a company. You can’t get customers without marketing your business. Spending money on marketing is considered an essential cost. Even as the way we do business has changed because of COVID-19, a strong marketing strategy will help your business adjust, survive, and flourish in the new normal.

Evaluate your products and services

If you have to cut costs, start by auditing your products and services. Which are likely to flourish in the recession and after-the-fact? Which will stabilize? Are there products and services that will be lost?

An easy way to determine that is to decide which products and services are considered essential. We’ve learned that all four consumer groups will spend money on essential purchases, even the slam-on-your-brakes group. If you must cut costs, trim your investments and efforts on the products and services that will not flourish or be essential to your target demographic. Focus your marketing spending on those that will.

Research digital marketing and communications opportunities

If your customers are online, you have to reach them there. Not every marketing effort needs to be an expensive advertising campaign. There are many cost-effective things you can do to help grow your online presence at this time. We’ve highlighted a few in our article How to develop a post-covid-19 digital marketing strategy.

While marketing will require a financial budget, a commitment to spending time working on some strategies can be equally important. Here are a few digital marketing tips that you can try:

Low to no cost marketing ideas

Make sure your content is current

Anything a customer reads on your website or social media pages should be current. People want to know what your offerings are and your response to COVID-19. Go through every page on your website and make sure the information is accurate and up-to-date.

Email your customer list

If your contact list is compliant with the Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL), start using that email list. It costs nothing to send an email campaign to your customers. You can send them articles, special offers, information about your response to COVID-19 and new business practices, and keep communication open with your contacts. Use a free, user-friendly online email marketing tool like Constant Contact or MailChimp. Both of these services offer free accounts if your contact list is under their minimum requirement.

Post on social media

Being active on social media can increase your online presence and improve search engine optimization (SEO). It also allows you to engage with customers and other organizations in the industry. Having a profile on channels like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram is free. You just need to commit the time to post compelling content, engage with others, and keep things current.

Set up Google Analytics

Set up your website with Google Analytics. It’s free to do so. This tool allows you to see and track web visits, user behaviour, traffic sources, conversions, and other useful data. It will show you how your digital marketing efforts, like advertising or social media marketing, are performing. The data is key to evaluating and adjusting for the best results.

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Today’s Consumers are Digital.

Did you know Google released a stat indicating users check out 10.4 sources before purchase.

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Worth-the-cost marketing ideas

Make sure your website design is up-to-date

Unfortunately, a lot of companies in the home services industry have out-of-date or disorganized websites. While it’s not every company, it is clear that website design hasn’t been a priority for many.

Before you spend any money on a digital marketing campaign, you have to make sure your website is modern, easy to navigate, full of clear and properly written information, and professional. The whole point of a digital marketing campaign is to increase web traffic. Make sure any leads that come to your website will turn into calls and convert to sales.

Invest in Pay-Per-Click advertising

Pay-Per-Click (PPC) advertising works like an auction. So, the more companies that advertise, the higher the cost. During the pandemic, the cost of advertising this way has gone way down. Fewer businesses are advertising, so the winning bid costs less. That means you’re getting more leads for the money spent. Online advertising on platforms like Google and Facebook comes with a lot of data in real-time. That allows you to make adjustments as your financial situation, or the pandemic situation, changes.

Consider SEO services

Investing in web analytics and SEO tools will show you how consumers are engaging with content. You can track leads and adjust your digital marketing strategy to optimize your return on investment. Doing SEO the right way can be complex and time-consuming. Spending money on a third-party SEO company to help with this can make sure you gain domain authority, climb the search engine rankings, and attract qualified customers.

Start using a CRM

A Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system can also help you track and organize data. Leads, conversion, customer relationship activities are all recorded, so you never miss following up on an inquiry. A lot of CRM software comes with digital marketing tools. These tools allow you to automate things like social media posting, email campaigns, and other digital content.

Conclusion: do not cut your marketing budget during an economic downturn

This pandemic has put people and businesses through a very challenging time. Unfortunately, there is little indication that things will return to ‘normal’ for quite some time, maybe ever. The silver lining in all of this is that we know three things backed by accurate and conclusive data:

1. Spending money on the home is considered an essential cost. If your business is a home services business, people will continue to spend money on the services you offer.

2. Web traffic to websites like RenovationFind, where consumers search for businesses like yours, has increased substantially (almost 60%) during the pandemic. Your customers are looking for businesses like yours online right now.

3. Businesses in the home services industry have testified to incredible growth (tripling their business) after making major financial investments in marketing – during one of the worst recessions of our time.

If you need help getting started on your digital marketing plan, get in touch with us. RenovationFind specializes in digital marketing for home services, trades, and home improvement companies. Our digital marketing services include content creation, brand awareness, lead generation, social media marketing, and search engine optimization tools.

Another Helpful Article is >>> 6 TIPS TO CLOSE MORE SALES FOR HOME SERVICE BUSINESSES

This post first appeared on https://blog.renovationfind.com

There’s a two-part process when finding and hiring the right siding contractor for your home. First is ensuring the quality of work provided, what warranties and insurances they own, and the years of experience. The second is the business process and how well the company acts during the entire project.

At Estate Exteriors in Edmonton, their work quality extends to every part of the job, including the business side. Their professionals share more about their working process and how it’ll guarantee peace of mind:

Transparency when quoting

With Estate Exteriors, there are no hidden fees or later additions to the cost of your siding. Reputable siding contractors tend to give written estimates of the project right from the start. Those costs may include a breakdown of the material costs, any permit fees, and labour costs. That way, you know exactly what you are paying for without hidden surprises. The professionals at Estate Exteriors follow this same 100% transparency policy for all their projects. They work with you to find a clear and suitable budget so that you get what you need at the right cost. The owner himself also acts as the main point of contact, so any questions or concerns go straight to him. That way, there is no worry about miscommunication or missing information.

The job is done right the first time

Siding will show problems, wear down early, and need repairs if it has been installed wrong. Siding that has been fastened too tightly will expand and crack since it has no room to move. Mildew and mould growth can also mean gaps in the siding where moisture has seeped in. Estate Exteriors avoids any of these repairs or causes for headaches by doing the job right the first time. Their experienced and skilled professionals have the knowledge and tools to guarantee your siding will last for years. The secret is their attention to detail that focuses on customizing each home with its own solution.

Years of siding experience

When it comes to siding, many in the industry tend to refer to vinyl siding alone. That can be misleading, especially when other types of siding like James Hardie fibre-cement, is an excellent option. The material can last upwards of 50 years, boost curb appeal, is very sustainable, and comes with a 30-year warranty. In addition to 19 years of siding experience, Estate Exteriors specializes in all aspects of James Hardie supplies from shingles, siding, exterior trim, and soffit panels. In every aspect, not just the work but the material as well, Estate Exteriors are professionals at their craft.

Siding Contractors in Edmonton

Estate Exteriors prides themselves on providing honest and reliable work with peace-of-mind results. They work together with homeowners to build trust and to ensure their homes will stay safe for years to come. Whether residential or commercial, they are are the ones to call.

Contact Estate Exteriors today!

Click to Find >>>>Siding Contractors in Edmonton.

This post first appeared on https://blog.renovationfind.com

Discover the Kitchen Design Trends of 2021 for Your Next Kitchen Renovation

Discover the new kitchen design trends that are kicking 2021 off to a great start. From spacious counters and more colors, see what new designs are trending into the new year for kitchen renovation.

If you are planning a kitchen renovation, this past year has highlighted several ways we all need and use our kitchens in this time of remote learning and work. From needing more workspace, using the area for multiple tasks, and getting more creative, here are some new kitchen renovation trends you will enjoy.  

Colors

Nowadays, kitchens have become a centerpiece in our homes as we gather for every meal, have endless zoom calls, and virtual hangouts. Your kitchen can be an office or a classroom so the addition of warm or colorful colors from the walls, décor, cabinets, and backsplashes will make your space feel homier while showing your unique taste and personality.

Workspaces

After spending a year working and learning remotely, the spaces in your home matter more than ever. For example, a kitchen counter can be turned into a multi-use workspace between meals. The same goes for your kitchen table. As you plan your kitchen renovation, these spaces will need to take into consideration all the ways you will use them over the year.

 

Storage Space

With your kitchen becoming busier than ever, the need for the clutter to be cleaned up and put away is becoming more urgent. For example, many kitchens have an open floorspace concept, but this leaves us with few options where we can store our belongings. Having an island in your kitchen or adding cabinetry such as minimalist wall to wall cabinets, or clean-lined cabinets can add lots of storage to your kitchen without taking up too much space in the room.

From storage, décor, and functionality—2021 has many demands for our kitchens. This is the year to complete those projects you planned last year and to finally make the kitchen you and your family needs and deserves. With the help of a professional handyman, your options are limitless and your kitchen renovation will be completed in no time.

Contact Handyman Connection

Contact our talented craftspeople at Handyman Connection for all your updates, construction, and repair needs. Schedule an estimate if you are ready to start planning renovation projects today. 

The post Kitchen Renovation: Kitchen Design Trends of 2021 appeared first on Handyman Connection.

Painting has steps and layers of work that combine to result in beautiful finishes and aesthetic boosts. Part of those steps includes the finishing work like window and door trim or baseboards. With the right tips and some professional help, every part of your home will look stunning.

Edmonton Painters like JV Painting & Decorating can help with the final detailing, but picking the right colours is just as important:

Window trim

Choosing colours for window frames depends on whether it’s for the interior or exterior. On the outside, you can’t go wrong with classic white since it complements every colour. Darker shades are also an option if you want to add a bold look. Matching tones with the house will create a complementary pairing, while a contrast like black frames will definitely draw the eye and boost curb appeal in its own way. Keep in mind that the architectural style of the house can also affect colours. Traditional homes with brick and natural wood pair well with natural colours like browns, greens, or reds.

On the inside, the focus is more on working with the existing décor and colours. Either the window frame will blend into the rest of the room, or a bold colour will make it pop. There’s no right or wrong answer, but it does depend on many colours are already in the room. In a colourful space, simple frames are a better pick. For simpler rooms, coloured window frames can add that focal point that’ll boost overall aesthetics. If you’re not sure, classic white is always a safe pick.

Door trim

Like windows, door frame colours can vary, whether it’s the exterior or interior side. Exterior facing doors typically have the colour focus on the door itself. The trim is then painted white to help make it pop and add that feature door appearance. Commercial painters in Edmonton can help add that same trick to a business buildings door.

Interior doors are a different matter and are typically the opposite. Both the door and the frame are painted the same colour for a unified look. That helps separate the door from the rest of the wall so that it stands out. In that case, opting for colours, neutral shades, or light or dark are all colour possibilities. If you have coloured walls, consider a simple door to avoid clashing colours.

Baseboards

Traditionally, baseboards are painted white, but that doesn’t have to be the case. Using touches of colour on the trim is a great way to add visual interest to the space. Instead of bright or bold shades, pick a tone that is slightly lighter or darker than the existing wall colour. For a white wall, consider a dove grey trim or soft pink walls pair well with beige. Using wood stain is another idea for a touch of rustic or natural wood appeal. In children’s bedrooms, colourful and bright baseboards make great touches for a fun and energetic space. If you’re planning to sell the home, though, choose white as it appeals to the most number of people. If you need help, just ask your local Edmonton painters for help.

Banisters

If you have staircases with banisters, it’s a great place to add a splash of bold colour. Like frames and baseboards, banisters are often painted classic colours like grey, white, or shades of brown. While these are complementary choices, consider the visual appeal of a bright blue or forest green instead. Instead of blending into the rest of the room, it makes the staircase pop and act as a focal point. These points help draw the eye, boost visual interest, and add a sense of value to the room. It’s one area of your home where you can’t go wrong adding a touch of colour.

Trust JV Painting & Decorating to transform your home with professional finishing paint services!

This post first appeared on https://blog.renovationfind.com

Written by Benjamin Moore Pinnacle Decorating South

Choosing the perfect paint color for your home can be a stressful experience. There are so many variables in play – What color is your furniture, flooring, cabinets, and countertops?

You’ll need to select a color that complements those things.  How much natural light is coming in and from which direction?  Northern light tends to bring out the cooler tones within a color.   What type of bulbs are you using for artificial light?  Incandescent lights make your colors look warmer, while fluorescent makes them look cooler.  LED’s can go either way depending on the color temperature.

But, did you know that even if you found that perfect color, there are other factors that determine how that color will appear? Let’s say that you decide on an off-white color, OC-65 (Chantilly lace) for example.  You choose Regal Eggshell sheen for the walls and Regal Semi-gloss sheen for the doors and trims.  They’re the same color, but when it’s painted and dried the walls and trims look slightly different! This is because of how the light reflects off the surface creating the subtle difference in color.  Eggshell sheen will appear darker than a matte or flat finish. Rest assured though that all sheens still match the chip.

Here’s a common scenario to consider – You hire a painter and give them your Benjamin Moore paint color selection.  They then go to a different paint company and get it matched.  When finished you notice that the color doesn’t match the chip you picked or you might see an unexpected undertone.   This is caused by the difference in pigment quality between Benjamin Moore and other paint companies. We refine the white pigment used in our paints to create a cleaner, deeper and richer color.  Benjamin Moore colors cannot be matched exactly. In contrast, we can easily match any other paint color because of how clean and refined our pigments are. As well our tinting system possesses 3 different types of red, yellow, standard black, white, blue, magenta, green, orange and gray.  Most other companies have 10-12.

So please remember, if you pick a Benjamin Moore color, insist that your painter purchases the product from Benjamin Moore. It’s the only way to be sure you’re getting the exact color you chose and expect.

One last consideration, please keep in mind that you can’t mix and match products either – even if they’re the “same color”.  I once heard a story where a painter had cut in the walls with one product then rolled with an entirely different product.  The results were as visible as night and day. Truly a head-shaking moment – a “professional” painter should have known better!

The best paint, the best color, the best paint stores in Edmonton. Come see us! We’re still open during this pandemic to help with all your paint and color needs.

This post first appeared on https://blog.renovationfind.com

Kitchen renovations are expensive. With the kitchen being one of the most important spaces in any home, you want the space to look good without breaking the bank. When it comes to your cabinets, there’s a way to get a new look without replacing them: cabinet refinishing. From the contractors at Superior Surface Refinishing in Winnipeg, here are some reasons why you should refinish your cabinets instead of replacing them.

Cabinet refinishing saves money

Replacing kitchen cabinets can get pricey, especially if you’re installing custom cabinets. With cabinet refinishing, you won’t have to worry about the costs of the brand new cabinets, demolition, and an extensive installation. Refinishing keeps the cabinets in place and changes the overall look. Your kitchen space will be completely transformed at a fraction of the cost.

Cabinet refinishing can protect your cabinets

One concern homeowners may have with refinishing is that the paint will easily come off. However, Superior Surface Refinishing uses only high-quality stain and lacquer products. They also use urethane hardened primer and paints that are much more durable than regular paints. Urethane hardened paint actually cures and hardens. Regular paints just dry making them much more durable so they can be wiped and cleaned without wearing away easily. When painting, any cracks or chips can be filled and repaired before coated. The finished result will last for many years to come. You can count on a durable, long-lasting, quality finish that will protect your cabinet doors and drawer fronts.

Cabinet refinishing will transform the look of your kitchen

When refinishing your cabinets, there’s no shortage of colour or stain choices. You can choose a single colour, or opt for a two-toned kitchen with a dark colour on the bottom and light on top. One great thing is that the new colour you choose can match other aspects of your home. The cabinetry is the most prominent thing in the room. Modernizing them with cabinet refinishing will completely change the look and feel of your kitchen.

New style doors and drawer fronts can also be ordered unfinished and then finished by Superior Surface Refinishing. This process gives your kitchen the look of a completely new more modern kitchen with hidden hinges while still using the original cabinet boxes so a complete renovation is not required. They can transform an old oak kitchen to look just like a new modern Maple shaker style kitchen by changing the doors and drawer fronts if preferred.

Your cabinet hardware can also be upgraded to match your newly-refinished cabinets. New hinges, knobs, and drawer pulls can do more for the look of your kitchen than you may think, too. Brass-coloured makes the cabinets appear more vintage, while black or silver adds to your kitchen’s modernity.

Cabinet Refinishing in Winnipeg

Superior Surface Refinishing Inc. is your Manitoba expert for reglazing, resurfacing, and refinishing of bathtubs, tiles, countertops and cabinets. No matter the project, they’re there to help make your vision a reality!

For more information, contact Superior Surface Refinishing today!

This post first appeared on https://blog.renovationfind.com

There are many parts that make up a roof system, and each plays a key role in safety and energy efficiency. Often the shingles, roof colour, or material are the main focus on residential roofing. Still, an important area to consider is roof deck insulation. For homeowners looking for ways to save money and boost efficiency, this insulation is a key part. Always leave roofing to a professional company like ROOFKING that guarantees quality and efficiency. Here are reasons why you should invest in roof deck insulation:

Extends your roof’s lifespan

Roof deck insulation works two ways by preventing too much heat from getting in or from escaping. Exterior heat will quickly travel through the roof deck and into the attic and home without proper insulation. When the heat transfers back out again, it speeds up the deterioration of the roof. Replacements will be needed much sooner and costly repairs needed for any damage. Installing roof deck insulation helps limit how much heat transfers in or out, which extends the roof’s lifespan.

Prevent ice dams

Ice dams are a serious winter problem that, if left unchecked, can lead to costly damages and repairs. Both residential and commercial roofing can suffer from ice dams. The problem forms when there is excess heat trapped in the attic and beneath the roof. Snow on the roof will quickly melt, and water will run down towards the eaves. There, the water refreezes and forms dams of ice. If water continues to melt and refreeze, it can force water underneath the shingles and cause water damage or rot. With roof deck insulation, excess heat is blocked, so there is no risk of ice dams forming.

Increase energy-efficiency savings

Relying on HVAC systems alone to warm or cool your home can lead to higher monthly bills. If the HVAC is running constantly it can also cause premature burnout. Roof deck insulation helps prevent this by creating a barrier that blocks the transfer or loss of excess heat. Paired with attic ventilation, your home’s efficiency and monthly savings will noticeably go up. A more efficient home also offers better peace of mind and year-round comfort.

Leave it to the professionals

The best time to add roof deck insulation is while you are replacing your existing roof. The process involves removing the old roof and any underlayment to expose the roof sheathing. Once the insulation is installed, new underlayment and shingles are installed. A professional can handle the work both quickly and safely. They have the right tools, experience, and knowledge for a quality-ensured process. Any minor damages or roof repairs will also be handled so that your roof lasts for its full lifespan without worry.

Ready to improve your roof? Contact ROOFKING today for your new roof deck insulation.

This post first appeared on https://blog.renovationfind.com

We are so used to living a life of ease with light bulbs that we often take them for granted. It is easy to overlook light bulbs unless they need to be replaced. Usually, we grab whatever light bulb we have and consider the job well done. An ill-fitting light bulb is not only a safety concern, but it can also use more energy.

Pax Electrical Installation in Edmonton shares more:

Fixtures wattage limit

You can find wattage ratings on the sockets of the light fixtures—for example, maximum 60W. If the fixture requires two or more light bulbs, the maximum wattage has to equal the total of the light bulbs’ wattage.

Using a bulb with a higher wattage than the fixture’s limit can result in intense heat. Electrical fixtures all come with a recommended wattage rating. By not following the rating, you are potentially putting your home at risk. Overheating can melt sockets and wire insulation, which could then lead to house fires. It’s best to use light bulbs with a lower light wattage to avoid permanent damage. Learn more about how to match light bulb wattage to light fixtures.

Enclosed and non-enclosed fixtures

Everyday lighting, or non-enclosed fixtures, allows the light source to breathe. In a non-enclosed fixture, the heat produced from the light has the chance to distribute evenly. In comparison, enclosed fixtures refer to fixtures with a tight seal around them. The fixture doesn’t have ventilation. These fixtures require specific bulbs. Otherwise, the heat produced has nowhere to go but up back to the circuit underneath. The lack of ventilation can cause overheating in the long term. Always check what type of bulb to use.

How to pick the right light bulb

Picking the right bulb goes beyond just the correct wattage rating. You have more than one option when choosing your light bulbs, and most are around efficiency. Although traditional incandescent bulbs are cheaper, they use more energy and produce more heat. In the long-term traditional bulbs will cost you more. Other popular options are halogen incandescents, compact fluorescent lamps (CFL), and light-emitting diodes (LED).

Although halogen incandescents are considered energy-efficient, it is because they are mostly used with light dimmers. Dimmers use less energy overall, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that it will be the best choice if you’d like to use more light. Similarly, CFL light bulbs are also considered to be the more energy-efficient choice compared to incandescents. LEDs are incredibly popular because not only are they energy efficient, but they also last a lot longer than the other options.

Electrician in Edmonton

Pax Electrical Installation works with its customer’s specific needs to guarantee customer satisfaction. They provide various services from electrical installation to maintenance and repair, all the while staying cost-efficient.

Contact Pax Electrical Installation today!

This post first appeared on https://blog.renovationfind.com

An experienced and reputable general contractor can help you with numerous renovations to your homes, no matter how big or small. With a professional at work, you know the job will be done properly the first time around.

The first step is finding a renovation company you can trust. A. A. G. Services in Vancouver has a solid reputation for quality work and good customer service. 95% of their business comes from referrals – that is built on their philosophy that customer comes first! They share some home projects a general contractor can help you with. 

Flooring Installation

Installing new flooring in your home can be a big project for a DIYer. Depending on the size of the space and the chosen materials, professional flooring installation is usually the best choice. A general contractor will not only be able to quickly and efficiently install the flooring, but they can also provide insight into your plan. For instance, if you’re reflooring something as large as an entire main floor, a general contractor can give advice on what would work best for your budget, living situation, or what potential home buyers are looking for. The contractors at A. A. G. Services specialize in installing hardwood and laminate flooring and are happy to help with any other textile. 

Painting

New paint can change the entire feeling of a space. Perhaps you’re looking to change the same old paint colours you’ve been staring at for years, or want to upgrade your home to prepare it to sell. A professional renovation company can provide potential colour schemes for your various spaces, and they have painters that can assist with the painting itself. Whether you’re looking for something simple, feature walls, or a colour palette to fit a certain style, a general contractor will have subcontracted painters on their team who can guide you in the right direction. 

Interior and Exterior Masonry 

Looking to add a unique feature to your home? Interior or exterior masonry work can give your home the character it may be missing. While being great for things like fireplaces, this stone-work isn’t limited to such. Masonry comes in many forms. It could look like exposed brick for a feature wall, a creative backsplash, an accent for your shower, or any other interior feature you wish. In addition, it’s also great for outdoor spaces. It can be used for pathways, outdoor fire pits, patios, and landscaping. A general contractor will be able to draw up a plan, help you gather the necessary materials, and execute your vision, indoors or outdoors. 

General Contractors in Vancouver

The contractors at A. A. G. Services are highly qualified and dedicated professionals. They provide fast, high-quality, and low-cost moving and construction services in Vancouver, Tri-cities, Maple Ridge, Surrey, Burnaby, and surrounding areas. Their team of highly skilled and loyal subcontractors uphold the same standards and principles and take genuine pride in their work. Plus, the owner goes above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction and customers get the quality service they deserve.

Learn why their customers keep referring them to others! Check out A. A. G. Services today!

This post first appeared on https://blog.renovationfind.com

Going into the new year, it’s a great time to check-in with the various systems in your home. Something to pay attention to is your home’s HVAC system. It may need repairs or maintenance in order to properly regulate your home’s temperature. From Green Tech Air Conditioning and Heating in Vancouver, here’s how an HVAC company can get your home’s HVAC system in good shape for the new year. 

Signs your HVAC system needs repairs

There are a few ways to check if your HVAC systems may need some repairs. This includes poor temperature regulation throughout your home, strange noises coming from your units, and surprisingly high energy bills. Being in the midst of winter, a properly-functioning heating system in your home can make a huge difference, and keep your family comfortable. If you notice any of these problems, it’s a good idea to contact an HVAC company for advice or assistance with repairs. 

Easy maintenance tips

Though maintaining your home’s HVAC system may feel daunting, it doesn’t have to be. Some easy HVAC maintenance tips include checking the functionality of your thermostat, checking or changing filters, or cleaning the units themselves. Air conditioning units may have debris in them, causing the unit to underperform. Similarly, furnace units in your home may be dusty or have blockages that simply need to be cleaned. Proper maintenance can also keep units from breaking in the future. Before contacting an HVAC company, check the system yourself to see if these maintenance tips can solve any problems first. 

HVAC installation

If your furnace or air conditioner is constantly breaking down, old, and no longer efficient, it might be time for a replacement. By upgrading to a high-efficiency AC or furnace, you will start seeing noticeable savings on your energy bills. New HVAC installation will improve the peace of mind and the comfort of your home too. Green Tech Air Conditioning and Heating offers professional installation services, in addition to maintenance and repairs. If you’re getting a new furnace, ask them about the rebates offered by Fortis BC for high-efficiency furnace installations.

Choose the greener way

Having a highly efficient HVAC system is important to a lot of homeowners. Green Tech Air Conditioning and Heating ensures that the materials they use are environmentally-friendly. With a wide variety of models, you’ll be able to lessen your carbon footprint while having a reliable HVAC system in your home. They also keep away from environmentally-damaging work practices, keeping their workspace clean during and after repairs, maintenance, or installing units. No matter the problem, they are there to assist you, while performing their tasks in the greenest way possible. 

HVAC Companies in Vancouver

Green Tech Air Conditioning and Heating is a locally-owned and operated HVAC installation and repair company. Located and operating in the Greater-Vancouver area, they strive for customer satisfaction, wanting homeowners to be happy they chose them. Whether it’s an HVAC installation or system repair, they believe HVAC companies need to follow a sustainable approach, and Green Tech does just that. 

For more information, check out Green Tech Air Conditioning and Heating today!

This post first appeared on https://blog.renovationfind.com